COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Piper PA-31 Series Aeroplanes
AD/PA-31/38 Heater Solenoid Shut-Off Valve - Modification 12/75
Applicability: Models PA-31 and PA-31-300 with S/Nos. 31-2 to 31-103.
Requirement: Install shroud assembly Piper P/N 43493 with associated cover, over- board drain tube, sealing grommets and clamp, over heater solenoid shut-off valve P/N 756513 in accordance with Piper installation drawing No. 41923 and Parts Catalogue No.
753703-Fig. 38.
Compliance: Within 100 hours time in service after 31 December 1975.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under PART 39 - 105, introduced the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives to ensure the safety and airworthiness of aircraft operating within Australia. This legislative instrument specifically addresses a known issue with the Piper PA-31 Series aeroplanes, particularly those with serial numbers ranging from 31-2 to 31-103. The primary objective of the legislation is to mandate the installation of a heater solenoid shut-off valve modification, which includes a shroud assembly over the valve, to mitigate the risk of fire. This was enacted to safeguard the operational integrity and passenger safety of these aircraft by requiring compliance within 100 hours of time in service after 31 December 1975.
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 were enacted by the Parliament of Australia and are administered by CASA to ensure that all aircraft meet stringent safety standards. The policy objective of these regulations is to maintain the highest standards of airworthiness, thereby protecting the public and enhancing the safety of civil aviation in Australia.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105 Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, addresses the modification of the heater solenoid shut-off valve for Piper PA-31 series aeroplanes, including models PA-31 and PA-31-300 with serial numbers ranging from 31-2 to 31-103. This legislation mandates the installation of a shroud assembly, which includes a cover, overboard drain tube, sealing grommets, and a clamp, over the heater solenoid shut-off valve. This installation must comply with Piper's installation drawing number 41923 and Parts Catalogue number 753703-Fig. 38. The directive requires compliance within 100 hours of time in service after 31 December 1975, ensuring that the specified modifications are implemented to maintain the airworthiness of these aircraft. This regulation applies to all relevant aircraft within the stated serial number range, regardless of their location or operator within Australia, thereby ensuring a consistent standard of safety across the nation's aviation industry.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically within Part 39 - 105, contains an airworthiness directive (AD/PA-31/38) for Piper PA-31 Series aeroplanes (section 1). This directive applies to specific models, namely the PA-31 and PA-31-300 with serial numbers ranging from 31-2 to 31-103 (section 1). The requirement outlined in this directive is to install a shroud assembly, which includes a cover, overboard drain tube, sealing grommets, and a clamp, over the heater solenoid shut-off valve (section 1). This installation must adhere to the specifications provided in Piper installation drawing No. 41923 and Parts Catalogue No. 753703-Fig. 38 (section 1). Compliance with this directive is mandatory, with the installation needing to be completed within 100 hours of the aircraft being in service after 31 December 1975 (section 1).
The obligations imposed by this airworthiness directive are specific to the entities and individuals responsible for the maintenance and operation of the affected aircraft. These obligations include ensuring that the installation of the shroud assembly over the heater solenoid shut-off valve is completed according to the specifications provided by Piper. This involves sourcing the correct parts, following the installation drawing, and ensuring that all components are correctly installed. The directive also necessitates that compliance is achieved within the specified timeframe, which is 100 hours of service post 31 December 1975 (section 1). The responsibility typically falls on the aircraft owner, operator, or maintenance organisation ensuring the aircraft remains airworthy.
Failure to comply with the requirements of AD/PA-31/38 may result in civil and criminal consequences. The Civil Aviation Regulations provide for potential penalties for non-compliance with airworthiness directives. While the specific penalties are not detailed within this particular directive, it is understood that non-compliance could lead to enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). These actions could include fines, enforcement notices, and in severe cases, the grounding of the aircraft. Additionally, failure to maintain airworthiness can result in criminal charges under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, which could lead to imprisonment. The exact penalties would be determined based on the nature and severity of the non-compliance.